MEMBERS of an Abingdon youth canoe club will soon be able to take to the water with new equipment thanks to a Lottery grant.

Pathfinders Youth Canoe Club has been awarded almost £10,000 from the Lottery’s Awards for All programme.

Club chairman Dave Surman described the grant as terrific news for club, which is based at the town’s sailing/rowing club, in Wilsham Road.

The club was one of 87 groups in the South East to receive a cash injection.

Mr Surman said: “The £9,830 will be spent on buying 11 modern specialist whitewater kayaks and associated paddling and safety equipment to improve the quality of opportunities for young people in the club. Previously, we had to rely on a fleet of ageing, outdated boats.”

This is the first cash boost the club, which has 25 members aged 11 to 18, has received.

It is hoped the new equipment will arrive within the next couple of weeks.

Mr Surman said: “The club is already thriving with a full programme of activities for young people both on the river locally and further afield. With the new equipment, there will be increased opportunities for participation by the community.”

The club runs beginners’ courses for young people wanting to take up kayaking. This grant means specialist coaching and safety courses for club coaches, helpers and members will be provided.

Last year, the club’s members participated in whitewater events across the country.

In July, they will be paddling Alpine whitewater in Slovenia.

Alison Rowe, head of the Big Lottery Fund for the South East, said £622,428 has been given to projects in the region. She said: “These projects will have a huge, positive impact on community groups of all shapes and sizes right across the region.”

The group, which meets weekly from April to September in Abingdon, is keen to hear from anyone wishing to join.

For more details contact Mr Surman on 01865 373115.